Heavy, heavy , heavy. That's what Toronto's My Hollow have delivered with their full length debut On Borrowed Time. The press release bills the band's style as groove metal and I can't really argue with that assessment although the vocals are clearly in the death metal camp, intense growls and screaming which are not really my cup of tea. The music does offer plenty of heavy grooves but there is also a metal-core element to the blasting guitar riffs which sometimes chop and grind while at other times are more fluid, melodic and clean, taking the songs through incredibly heavy soundscapes. Some nifty chord progressions and time changes as well, ensuring the listener that these guys know their way around their instruments. The only mellower offering is the brief interlude "Life In The Shadows" where the mood and atmosphere is suitably eerie. The brief clean vocals in the catchy "King With No Castle" is another welcome change of pace. Sadly it's an all too brief occurrence as the growls are much more prominent. The contrast in vocal styles would have been a smart move. Perhaps the band will explore that more on their next release.

While I dig the drums, bass and guitar, the vocals not so much. I don't mean to disparage the vocalist as he has pretty much perfected the style, it is just difficult to find enjoyment amidst his harsh tones. Some cleaner passages would have been greatly appreciated. That said, if you dig the growling/screaming style and like your music in relentless waves of heaviness On Borrowed Time should be worth a look.

Track Listing:
1. On Borrowed Time
2. As Seams Seep Red
3. Cold Dark Days
4. History Of Violence
5. Life In The Shadows (Interlude)
6. King With No Castles
7. Wade Through The Thorns
8. We Cross The Sun
9. Blood Seeds

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